CIFF blog: Calgary film fest director picks Paul Hardy for the CIFF opening gala

Photography courtesy of Paul Hardy
The dress and the "wooly mammoth shrug" Dupuis picked for her look. Photography courtesy of Paul Hardy

By Karen Ashbee

Last night marked the opening of the Calgary International Film Festival and ten days of non-stop movie going and partying. Having attended at least a dozen film fest galas world wide, Jacqueline Dupuis, executive director of CIFF, knows a few things about getting red carpet ready. Luckily she took a few moments out of her over-stressed and over-scheduled life to give me the lowdown on her look for opening night.

“I love designer Paul Hardy’s work. Each piece not only compliments my shape, but makes me feel beautiful, no matter how many starlets are on the scene,” says Dupuis.

How very apropos that home-grown talent Paul Hardy should dress Dupuis for Calgary’s festival.

Ask Hardy what his design philosophy is and he is quick to concur that his pieces are intended to flatter the wearer in a carefully constructed manner.

For last night’s gala screening of Score: A Hockey Musical, Dupuis will be working an ever so classic Hardy strapless black dress paired with what she has dubbed “his woolly mammoth shrug.”

“It’s a timeless dress paired with an avant-garde piece for a look that feels very much my own.” explains Dupuis.

As for hair and makeup this busy director likes to keep it simple and style her own tresses. A smoky black eye and straight hair will do the trick.

The Calgary International Film Festival continues until October 3 (calgaryfilm.com)

See looks from Paul Hardy’s Fall 2010 collection»

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